Local YMCA branch endorses national manifesto on the needs of young people ahead of General Election

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough branch of the YMCA has endorsed the charity’s national manifesto, and is calling on local political candidates to listen to the voices of young people in this year’s general election.

 

YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, which supports over 450 young people across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, has given its backing to the manifesto that lists more than 40 recommendations for the next government, all inspired by consultations with young people across the country.

The recommendations cover a diverse range of subjects that matter to young people today, including access to housing, mental health support, apprenticeships and physical health and wellbeing.

The charity is also encouraging young people to register to vote in the General Election ahead of the Monday 22 May deadline.

Jonathan Martin, Chief Executive of YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: “Only 43% of young people voted in the last General Election and, as such, young people’s voices can be easily ignored by political candidates and decision makers.

“We’re backing this manifesto because it puts young people back at the centre of political debate, ensuring that the issues that matter most to them are highlighted in the run up to 8 June.

“Young people have the most to gain – and the most to lose – from the policies of any future government and that is why we’re calling on our local candidates to put YMCA’s recommendations front and centre of their policies in the coming years.”

YMCA Cambridgeshire & Peterborough runs a range of services in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, including supported housing, youth clubs, community counselling, community gyms, youth justice, and schools services. It is part of a nationwide YMCA federation of 116 local charities that, combined, works across 740 communities and supports 630,000 people.